Web-based engineering for the automation of the future

With the control system u-control, the Weidmüller automation family is welcoming a new generation. Based on the motto “More performance. Simplified.”, u-control enables platform-independent facility programming using a browser.

The development towards Industry 4.0 enables increasing levels of networking and self-organisation. The working world is changing at the same time, especially when it comes to the interaction between users, machines and intelligent systems. Modern tools are all about mobile communication, smart devices and Cloud services. They help to program and analyse highly automated systems and influence them specifically.

Flexible and independent

In practice, dependence on operating systems and devices often restricts flexibility. This is where the latest development from Weidmüller comes in. The u-control system with built-in web-based engineering tool allows flexible access to the world of Industry 4.0 for machinery and plant engineering.

“These days, it is almost exclusively Microsoft-based software which is used for engineering systems, even though there are more flexible approaches when it comes to technological progress,” explains Detlef Grundke, Product Manager Automation at Weidmüller. “With u-control, we are closing this gap and taking a further step towards the automation of the future.”

Take a look at our technology preview from the SPS 2016 in Nuremberg and discover how our engineering tool will make programming and commissioning more flexible, convenient and future-proof for our customers

More Performance. Simplified. – easy programming via web browser

The integrated engineering tool allows machines to be accessed from anywhere, using any device, irrespective of the operating system. The key to this new level of independence lies in moving the software from the PC to the control and the use of open web technologies. With HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, all facilities can be monitored and programmed irrespective of operating systems. The only requirement is an HTML5-compliant browser.

With the built-in web-based engineering tool, u-control enables machines to be controlled from mobile terminals anywhere in the world

“The software uses the globally applicable programming standard IEC 61131-3, so the structures and commands are known and can be applied directly. This means the browser becomes a development platform at the same time,” reports Grundke.

“The modern, web-based interface makes programming even easier. With the optimised design for all conceivable display sizes, operation is also simple and intuitive.”

The system offers another decisive advantage over previous automation solutions: additional industrial software apps can be added to u-control. This means individual requirements – visualisation, for example – can be added onto the controller via an additional software app.

Many freedoms often conceal great risks, but this is not the case with u-control. Using the “security by design” development method, the system comes with the highest security standards. User programs and data are reliably protected against external access by means of various safety levels.